Page 105 of The Kingpin
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Six weeks later…
Raven
“Dad is going to think you’re the most beautiful woman on the planet. Oh, wait. You know what the truth is? You are.”
Zoe had prattled on about the dress I was wearing, the flowers in my hair, and the necklace Arman had given me the night before. She’d been my constant shadow, the girl who had stars in her eyes because in them, her father was a hero. She was well aware her dad was also considered a brutal, ruthless man, even a killer. He’d never sugarcoated that he wasn’t always the best of men.
But in her life, he was on a pedestal.
In my eyes, he was the love of my life. This moment was poignant somehow, ready to walk down the aisle marrying a man I still barely knew, yet one I knew I would enjoy spending the rest of my life with. I stared at myself in the mirror, trying to capture all the moments so I could remember them in the future.
When Emily took a picture I laughed, but I was grateful. She and Zoe were both bridesmaids, Paisley my maid of honor.
“Come on, girls. Let’s allow her a few minutes alone,” Paisley told them.
As Emily walked closer, tears formed in my eyes. There was no reason for me to cry, other than this was my wedding day. I was supposed to be emotional. Wasn’t I?
“I think you’re the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen,” Emily said as she clapped her hands.
“I’m likely the most nervous bride in the world,” I responded, although the truth was that I was thrilled. In the weeks since the horrific fire had occurred, I’d spent glorious days getting to know my husband to be more, also engaging in a different relationship with my father.
He’d changed, so much so I barely knew him any longer, as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders after meeting with Arman.
Hearing a knock on the door, all three women eased back.
“We’ll be waiting for you,” Zoe said.
I remained in front of the mirror. I’d wanted so many things out of my life and I knew that by marrying Arman they would change, but that was okay with me. Actually, it was more than okay.
As my father walked in, all I could do was smile. He looked ten years younger, his smile bright and his eyes flashing in happiness. I’d never thought it possible. I was marrying his best friend and his enemy after all. Although things had changed I’d been floored to hear he was returning to the family business, one that I would now have a part of.
It had been heartwarming to see and experience the reconciliation between him and the man he considered his father and his brothers. It didn’t matter that they didn’t share the same blood. They all shared a history, a past that they’d tried to deny but they’d been unable to squelch their true feelings.
I tried to smile but the tears were already forming. I’d wanted to marry a prince, even though I’d told myself that was not possible. However, I was getting that and so much more.
“You look beautiful,” he said quietly as he approached.
I grabbed the single red rose meant for his jacket, my hands shaking as I tried to unfasten the pin. “I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be. Arman is a good man, even if he hides it.”
“So are you, Daddy.” I managed to pin it to his lapel after three tries, patting his tuxedo jacket and taking a step back. When I gave him a nod of approval, he laughed.
“My daughter. Ever so careful. Live your life, my sweet girl. Don’t hold back or hesitate. Don’t have regrets or wallow in fear. Live your life as if it’s the last day on Earth. That’s my best advice to you. Oh, and one more thing. Don’t lose that spunky personality. Keep Arman on his toes.”
I laughed, although the tears were already flowing. “Don’t worry, Daddy. I plan on it.”
“That’s my daughter. Bright. Beautiful. Bodacious. Are you ready?”
“I think I finally am.”
There were so many words I wanted to say, but right now I was determined to concentrate on the happiest moment of my life. However, I knew there would be more. So many more.
I couldn’t wait to share them with my extended family and friends.
That was, after all, the only aspect that mattered. Not money. Not precious things.